The Eastern PA Annual Conference Sessions Team has heard the concerns expressed by members about the location of Annual Conference. We recognize that the current location in Wildwood, New Jersey, presents challenges for some members because of the distance and travel required. In addition, we understand that attendance at the ordination and memorial services is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for church members, family and friends. We lament that people are often unable to attend these vital moments.

Based on contracts and timing, the Sessions Team has discerned that Annual Conference 2027 will be held in Wildwood, NJ.  

As we look ahead to 2028, the Sessions Team is actively exploring alternatives. Our goal is to identify a location that is more accessible to our membership while also meeting the practical needs of an accessible Annual Conference.

What are the requirements for a potential 2028 location?

We are looking for a facility that can accommodate up to approximately 800 people and can support the various activities associated with Annual Conference.

Among the factors we are considering are:

• Accessibility for members traveling from throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.
• Adequate meeting space for plenary sessions, worship, workshops, and other conference activities.
• Appropriate spaces for meals and fellowship.
• Overnight accommodations that are reasonably accessible to participants.
• Parking and/or convenient access to public transportation.
• Overall affordability and reasonable costs for the Annual Conference and its participants.
• A setting that is consistent with the values and social principles of our conference.

What locations has the Sessions Team explored so far?

The team has investigated a variety of possibilities, including several types of facilities and geographic areas. We have not limited our search to one particular part of Eastern Pennsylvania or even the bounds of the EPA conference (i.e. Hershey Convention Center).

What about Hershey Convention Center?

The Sessions Team explored Hershey Convention as a possible location. While the facility has many of the characteristics needed for Annual Conference, the cost was determined to be prohibitive for our purposes. *Please see the table below that compares cost differences at this time.

What about Eden Resort in Lancaster?

Eden Resort in Lancaster was also explored. Although it is a potential location in terms of geography and accessibility, the available facilities are not large enough to accommodate the needs of Annual Conference.

What about Stabler Arena?

Stabler arena is not available due to planned sport events and high school graduations in May and June 2028.

Has the team considered the Poconos and Valley Forge?

Yes. The Sessions Team has researched venues in both the Poconos, including Kalahari, Great Wolf Lodge, and hotels in the Valley Forge area.

One consideration with some of the venues in these areas is their connection to casinos. We will not explore a hotel that has a direct casino connection. The other concern is the financial realities in these areas, especially during peak season.

What about colleges and universities?

The team has also investigated colleges and universities, particularly in the Lehigh Valley area. These facilities can offer some advantages, particularly in terms of location and meeting space, but they also hold accessibility and availability concerns. We welcome the use of a college or university that could accommodate our needs and care for accessibility concerns. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Did the team really consider the Reading Phillies stadium?

Yes! The Sessions Team has tried to think creatively and has explored a wide range of possibilities, including the Reading Phillies stadium.

While the stadium is an interesting venue, the team determined that it is not well suited to the type of convention and gathering that Annual Conference represents.

What other venues is the team researching?

We currently are asking the following venues for their 2028 availability and pricing:

• Wyndham Lancaster Resort & Convention Center – currently reviewing their availability for 2028 and scheduling a site visit
• Lancaster Marriott – waiting on contract information for 2028
• Reading Performing Arts Center
• PPL Center – waiting on 2028 contract
• Stabler arena is not available due to planned sport events and high school graduations in May and June 2028.

Will the Sessions team consider returning to Oaks convention center?

EPA Sessions discussed the possibility of returning to Oaks. Currently, all rentals in Oaks are separate contracts. EPA Sessions also has concerns based on past experiences at Oaks. While Oaks could accommodate our needs, EPA sessions do not feel it is the right location and would prefer to find an alternative venue.

Why haven’t we found a location yet?

Finding a facility that meets all of our requirements is more challenging than simply finding a building large enough to hold 800 people.

The location needs to balance accessibility, adequate meeting and worship space, lodging, meals, parking, cost, scheduling, and other logistical requirements. It also needs to be a setting in which our Annual Conference can gather in a way that reflects our identity and values.

The Sessions Team is continuing to work through those considerations rather than selecting a location simply because it is available.

Can Annual Conference members suggest locations?

Absolutely. We welcome your suggestions.

If you know of a facility that might be appropriate for Annual Conference, please share the information with the Sessions Team. We especially welcome suggestions for locations that:

• • Can accommodate up to 800 people.
  • Are reasonably accessible to members throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.
  • Have adequate meeting, worship, dining, and gathering space.
  • Have sufficient nearby lodging or on-site accommodations.
  • Offer reasonable costs.
  • Have adequate parking and/or transportation access.
  • Are consistent with the values and social principles of our Annual Conference.

If you have a specific venue in mind, please provide as much information as possible, including the name and location of the facility and any contact or website information you may have.

What happens to suggestions that members provide?

Suggestions will be reviewed by the Sessions Team as part of the ongoing search. A suggested venue may not ultimately meet all of the requirements, but member input can help the team identify possibilities that might otherwise be overlooked.

What is the Sessions Team’s commitment?

We want our members to know that we have heard the concerns about accessibility and are taking them seriously.

At the same time, we want to be transparent about the complexity of finding a facility that can meet the needs of an Annual Conference of our size and that is consistent with our values.

The search for a 2028 location is an ongoing process. We appreciate the patience, creativity, and input of our Annual Conference members as we work toward identifying a location that can welcome our community and serve the needs of Annual Conference.

Have an idea? Please share it with Rev. Jim Anderman, Sessions Team Chair at pastorjim@palmyrafirst.org.

Your suggestion may help us discover an option we have not yet considered.